New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-15
ROOM ENOUGH IN ASIA.

Lord Salisburys declaration that Asia IL
large enough for the rival civilizations OF
| Russia and England is drawn out by the
settlement Of the Afghan frontier question
| This complication, which at one time seemed
likely to end in war, began soon after the
conquest of Merry in 1884 Mr.. Gladstone
| Government promptly negotiated conven-
ton with Russia for the delimitation Of the
northern frontier of Afghanistan from Sa-
ralhs TO Khop Saleh on the OXus. Sir Peter
Lumsden with an Anglo-lndian escort went
to IIerat and made extensive surveys. While
they were at work the Russian authorities,
instead Of sending their own commissioner
with an escort to cooperate with the British
engineers, advanced their posts nearly 100
mics south of the disputed frontier. The
battle OF Pul-i-Khisti and the capture OF
Penjdeh were such wantoh breaches Of good
faith that preparations for war were made on
largo scale in England. Iostilities were
averted for the good and sufficient
reason that the Amecr was unwill-
inp to fight for Penjdeh. Great
Britain was compelled to resume the negotia-
tions. Lord Salisbury contIivcd in 1885 to
adjust the difficulties respecting Zulfikar Pass
and to obtain stipulatiOns for continuance
of the surveys 10 the OXus. The two com
missioners went over the ground together In
| 1886, but could not agree upon the location
of the frontier in the Kham-i-ab district. Sir
West Ridgcway after his return to London
made two journeys to st. Petersburg and
finally forced settlement of the dispute
Russia withdrew her claims to Kham-i-ab in
the Oxus region, and secured in return addi-
tional territory between the Kushk and the
Murghab. The frontier Is now marked by
pillars for $50 miles from Zulikar to Khop
SaIch.
The advantages derived from this settlement
of three years controversy are mutual.
Russia has completed her conquests in West
ern Afghanistan, having caved In the old
frontier an average depth OF fifty miles for
section Of 12O miles in width, and having
secured commanding positions on the hills
overlooking Hcrat With her system Of
narrow gauge military railway extending to
the edge of the frontier, she Is within strik
ing distance of that important Eastern city,
and whenever opportunity offers can ovelrIn
either Persia or Afghanistan. On the British
side the chief advantage is frontier def
nitely established between Russian and Afghan
territory. Diplomatsts at ST. Petersburg can
no longer bubble over ethnographical prin-
ciplcs, nor dare-devils like Alikhanoff push
forward their posts into the neutral belt
under the plea that the frontier line has not
been authoritatively drawn. Russian and
British maps will hereafter closely correspond
The line between the two rivals for supremacy
in Asia Is now clearly indicated and there
can DO no further opportunity for frontier
disputes, negotiations and treacherms attacks
like that at Pul-i-Khist. The line may be
crossed this year or the next. but whenever this
wanton provocation to war is offered solemn
treaty obligations will be violated.
The most practical benefit derived
from these protracted negotiations has
been the revision Of English ideas